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Internet Banking Puts Financial Services
Online
As the use of the World Wide Web continues to grow, so does the
use of internet banking for conducting financial transactions
anywhere in the world. In order to take advantage of the
services available through internet banking all a person needs
is a computer, an internet connection and an account at an
institution that offers online banking services.
Many internet banking services are available at companies that
have no tradition brick and mortar presence. Funds can be
deposited with a credit card, a debit card through another
bank, or by mailing a money order to the online bank. These
internet banking companies often offer the same services that a
traditional bank offers, including checks and branded debit
cards, but most do not get involved in portfolio management and
other services that may require personal service.
Loans are available through many internet banking companies and
most offer their own brand of credit cards, similar to the ones
offered by traditional banks. The requirements for a credit
card are typically the same as obtaining a credit card from any
other source, but they may offer a pre-paid credit card, which
are usually not available through a traditional
bank.
Pass Through Services Offered Over Internet
With the growth of internet banking came companies offering
what is called pass through financial services. Essentially,
they serve to conduct secure transaction between individuals
allowing the instant transfer of money from one person to
another without the use banking services. For example, a person
can deposit money into his or her account at the pass through
service and then have it transferred to another person without
the need to write a check to the individual.
The person receiving the money through internet banking has it
in their account with the pass through service almost instantly
and then transfers the money to their traditional checking
account. Many of the pass through services also offer a debit
card that can be used like the ones issued by traditional
banks, to enable the receiver of the funds to use the money for
online shopping or to withdrawal cash from ATM machines.
The growth online auctions has spurred the growth of internet
banking as it provides a secure means for people to may for
merchandise they have won, usually protected from internet
fraud, as well as providing sellers with a means of collecting
money instantly without waiting for payment to be mailed. As
the popularity of shopping online continues to grow, the
opportunity for internet banking companies will also grow.
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